Lammy: RAF Jets Could Legally Strike Iran's Missile Bases
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has declared that Royal Air Force jets could legally strike Iranian missile sites being used to attack British interests in the Middle East. His comments follow Defence Secretary John Healey's refusal to rule out expanding the RAF's role in the ongoing regional conflict.
Legal Basis for Direct Strikes
Lammy, who also serves as Justice Secretary, emphasised that while F-35 and Typhoon jets are currently only intercepting missiles and drones fired by Iran at allies, there exists a solid legal foundation for them to take more direct action. "It is entirely legal to protect our people and protect our staff, and therefore all operational capability is available to us in those circumstances," he stated during an interview with BBC Breakfast.
The Deputy Prime Minister confirmed that the United Kingdom possesses the necessary satellite and intelligence capabilities to accurately identify Iranian military sites. When questioned about the legality of pre-emptive strikes on bases anticipated to launch attacks, Lammy responded, "It is my understanding that that would be legal."
UK's Defensive Posture and International Coordination
The UK has already granted the United States permission to utilise British bases for defensive strikes against Iran's missile facilities. This decision came after Tehran launched a wave of retaliatory attacks across the Middle East over the weekend.
Defence Secretary John Healey has maintained that the UK must remain adaptable, noting, "as circumstances in any conflict change, you've got to be willing to adapt the action you take." This stance comes amid criticism from allies regarding the UK's response, particularly concerning the defence of Cyprus and the RAF Akrotiri base, which was recently struck by a drone.
Lammy defended the UK's actions, telling Sky News, "Absolutely not... we have F-35s, Typhoons in the sky taking down missiles as we speak and that has happened over Jordan, it's happened over Qatar and of course, we will support nationals in the region." He highlighted coordination with French, German, and other allied forces, though he incorrectly referred to Cyprus as a NATO ally—Cyprus is not a member of the alliance.
To bolster defences, two Wildcat helicopters equipped with anti-drone missiles are scheduled to arrive in Cyprus on Friday, and the air defence destroyer HMS Dragon is expected to deploy to the eastern Mediterranean next week.
National Security Council Leaks Investigation
Meanwhile, Lammy called for an investigation into leaks from the National Security Council following reports of a Cabinet split over the UK's response to the US and Israeli war on Iran. According to The Spectator, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer proposed allowing US use of British bases for defensive strikes at a meeting last Friday, facing opposition from senior ministers including Ed Miliband, Rachel Reeves, Yvette Cooper, and Shabana Mahmood.
Lammy expressed strong disapproval, stating, "I don't recognise those reports and I have to say I think it is a travesty that anyone should report from a National Security Council... because of course it puts British lives at risk and I hope that is properly investigated."
Evacuation Efforts for British Nationals
As the crisis deepens, evacuation efforts continue for Britons trapped in the conflict zone. The first Government charter flight arrived in the UK early Friday morning from Muscat, Oman. Passengers recounted harrowing experiences, such as sleeping in hotel car parks in Dubai while hearing explosions.
Amelia Reid and Samuel Sharp, who were on a weekend trip to Dubai, described sheltering in a basement with about 100 others after alarms sounded. "Didn't get told if it was safe to go up or not, just went up for breakfast and I think we heard a massive bang after that, so it's just on edge, on edge for four days," Sharp said.
In a positive development, Etihad Airways announced it would resume a limited commercial flight schedule until March 19, including routes from Abu Dhabi to Heathrow, Manchester, and Dublin. The Foreign Office has registered over 140,000 people in the region as the situation remains volatile.
